Improvement Plans/Maps
All off-site Civil Improvement plans, Parcel Maps, and Subdivision Maps must
undergo a review and approval process. LDE thoroughly checks these plans for
conformance to the City Standards, municipal code, state water and health
regulations, Subdivision Map Act, and overall sound engineering practices. In
addition, LDE reviews on-site storm drainage design for conformance to the
current requirements as outlined in the City Standards.

Review times for Improvement Plan
submittals:
- First submittal – up to 15 working days
- Second and subsequent submittals – up to 10 working days each

Wastewater/Sewer Fees
The City of Modesto Council approved new wastewater capacity fees for
residential and commercial development. The fee criteria became effective on
August 1, 2007. The fees are based on land use which determines the estimated
wastewater daily flow. The amount of daily flow is used to calculate wastewater
fees. Other sewer fees such as the lateral charge based on lot frontage and a
subtrunk fee may still apply.

Disclaimer: The City of Modesto will calculate the final sewer fees when
plans have been submitted for review.

Water Connection Fees
Along with wastewater fees, LDE calculates fees and issues water installation
permits for new water connections. For a typical 1 inch water connection, the
following fees would be applicable: connection charge - $5,404, service
installation - $1,108, and water meter - $115. In addition, if a property has
never been connected to City water, then an additional charge of $18 per linear
feet of lot frontage adjacent to any City water main would be applicable.

Will-Serve Process
When a property lies outside City of Modesto limits, and within the City’s
service area, a Will-Serve application is required when requesting approval to
connect to City water or sewer. Allowing a connection to the existing system is
determined based on sewer and/or water capacity and availability. The Will-Serve
application should include a fire flow test (for water only – please contact
your local fire department).

Encroachment Permits
LDE issues encroachment permits for all work performed in the City’s
right-of-way. Examples include: curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveways, sewer lateral
repair and installation, and others. Any contractor performing work in the
public right-of-way must have proper workers’ compensation and liability
insurance on file with the City of Modesto.

Easement Dedications
LDE processes easement dedications for right-of-ways, public utilities
easements, and planting easements. Unless dedicating on a parcel or subdivision
final map, all the aforementioned dedications can be recorded by separate
instrument.

Cost Share Program
Per the City of Modesto Municipal Code section 5-6.309, each user shall be
responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of their sewer line
from their property line out to the main in the street and/or alley. The Cost
Share Program is set up to offer home owners financial assistance if repairs or
maintenance are required for the sewer line located in the public right-of-way
including street, sidewalk, or alley. The program reimburses 50% of the lowest
of three licensed and approved plumber bid estimates for the final cost of the
sewer line repair. The assistance is only for the portion of the sewer line
located in the right-of-way and does not cover any sewer work on the property.

For more information on the Private Sewer Lateral Cost Share Program, please contact the program coordinator at 209-342-4712

Outdoor Dining Permit
Per the City of Modesto’s ordinance 3407-C.S., an encroachment permit is
required for all dining areas in the public right of way. Every owner business
operator who desires to place chairs or tables in a public sidewalk, alley,
court, or street must first submit an application for an outdoor dining permit.

Application to Install/Abandon Water, Monitoring or Emergency Extraction
Well(s), or Any Other Excavation(s) That May Intersect Groundwater within the City
of Modesto
A permit is required for ANY excavation in the City limits that may intersect
groundwater. This includes, but is not limited to installation or abandonment
of monitoring wells, vapor extraction wells, private water wells, etc. Processing
time for this type of permit is approximately 15 to 20 working days.